Qualcomm debuts smartphone design that will be blueprint for new 5G handsets

Qualcomm, the world’s largest wireless chip supplier, expects to help ramp up global 5G preparations with the release of its smartphone reference design for the next-generation mobile system.

The reference design will be used by smartphone manufacturers to build 5G handsets, which mobile network operators can then deploy for their field trials of technologies that form part of the upcoming universal 5G standard.

“We feel very confident that 5G will become a reality by 2019,” said Cristiano Amon, the executive vice-president of Qualcomm Technologies, at the opening on Tuesday of the two-day 4G/5G Summit in Hong Kong.

As of September this year, there were 81 mobile network operators in 42 countries and territories that have either demonstrated or conducted tests, or are licensed to start field trials of a range of 5G-enabling technologies, according to the non-profit Global Mobile Suppliers Association.

The first public preview of the smartphone reference design followed Qualcomm’s announcement of the world’s first 5G data connection using its Snapdragon X50 5G modem chip set, which was demonstrated at the company’s laboratories in San Diego, California.

“This major milestone and our 5G smartphone reference design showcase how Qualcomm Technologies is driving 5G NR in mobile devices,” said Amon.

5G NR, an acronym that stands for New Radio, is the name given by international authorities to the specification for a new 5G wireless interface.